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Reston Neighborhoods

I have to share a secret, and I hope it doesn’t come as a shock. There is no ocean in Reston, nor are there any bluffs from which you can stand and look out at the sea. But that’s okay, because what we do have is a charming community of Nantucket Style homes.

Nantucket is known for its cedar planked, homes that are open, bright and airy. Now that is something the developers of Reston could provide here.

Great Owl Drive, the next street down from North Point Village, is one community of these quaint homes.

On Old Brookville Court and Springhouse Place, you will find single family homes in the Nantucket style. These cheerful homes have four bedrooms, ground-floor master bedrooms and garages. Instead of the ocean, they back up to wooded areas—which you will appreciate as you sip lemonade on the huge deck.

For those who prefer townhome living, at the end of the drive is Great Owl Circle, which houses Ridgewood Cluster. These richly appointed, 3-level townhomes have lofts and cathedral ceilings to add space and visual appeal. Each home has a brick and cedar siding exterior, and many have a garage. There are five models of townhomes throughout the cluster—some offer luxurious master suites, others offer fabulous areas for entertaining. There is a home here for whatever your style of living is!

Great Owl Drive is right off Reston Parkway between Baron Cameron and Route 7. This community is a quick walk to North Point Village shopping (and America’s favorite coffee shop and ice cream store), and just a quick trip down Reston Parkway to Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Plaza.

Visit these homes and decide for yourself is the ocean is really all that necessary.

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Restonians love horses and hounds… or at least equestrian names. That’s why if you turn off Reston Reston Parkway and Glade Drive in South Reston, you will find the horse neighborhoods (as we like to call them): Paddock Lane, Colts Neck Drive, Steeplechase Drive, Basset Lane, Hounds Lane, Stirrup Road, Trotter Lane, Silver Fox Lane. You will practically crave a mint julep just driving down these charming roads.

These single-family home communities were all built in the late 60s and early 70s. They are on gorgeous quarter- to half-acre plots that, for the most part, back up to Reston’s common land—meaning chances are you can’t see any other neighbors from the back yard. The styles of homes range from Colonial to contemporary—there is no cookie cutter feel in this part of South Reston.

In addition to the well-kept homes and yards, one of the most appealing aspects of the horse streets is the location. Hunters Woods Elementary School is an easy walk for young children. Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center, and Fox Mill Shopping Center are also nearby. There are several parks, a community garden, tennis courts, and the Hunters Woods pool all within walking distance.

South Reston is only a few short miles from the Dulles Toll Road or the Fairfax County Parkway, which is nice for commuters. This is the perfect area for anyone looking for a little bit of land, a friendly neighborhood, and easy access around Reston.

Neighborhood children attend Hunters Woods Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School. Both Hunters Woods Village Center and Fox Mill Shopping Center offer easy access to grocery shopping and quick dining. As part of Reston Association, residents also have access to nearby pools and tennis courts.

If you are a nature lover and you want a great yard, this is the neighborhood for you!

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North Reston's Summer Ridge Condominiums are not only beautiful inside, the contemporary exterior design has charming cross gabled roofs — the front facing gables are above a column of recessed balconies. The meticulously landscape common areas are a lovely and peaceful view from those balconies. Even with parking in front of the buildings, this just doesn’t feel like a condo community.

Summer Ridge is located off Lake Newport Road just west of Reston Parkway. In fact, it’s just a few blocks from North Point Village Center, so you can walk to grocery store and restaurants. Reston Town Center is less than two miles away, and is easily walkable if you feel inclined. Also within walking distance of Summer Ridge is the Lake Newport Recreation Area with Reston’s only Olympic size pool, or Autumn Wood pool, which has a little more shade. Both are great after a summer walk along the RA paths!

The neighborhood consists of about 170 units built between 1987 and 1988. The neighborhood is laid out with 17 two- and three-story buildings looping around Summerchase Circle and Summerchase Court.

The condo development features three different models, all of which are modern and feel spacious, despite their modest footprints. Want an open floor plan? They’ve got it along with large picture windows or glass sliding doors opening up to a back patio or balcony. The fabulous design makes you feel like you’re in a much larger space than you are.

June Model = 665 square feet with one bedroom and one bath

July Model = 952 square feet with two bedrooms and one and a half baths

August Model = 1042 square feet with two bedrooms and two baths.

These condos are great for singles looking for a beautiful, but smaller space away from Reston Town Center, but still accessible to everything. Take a look at them today!

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Have you ever parked on Moorings Drive on your way to the Reston Farmer’s Market and wondered what kind of houses the street leads to? Let me tell you — it’s a wonderful mix of the different styles of Reston town homes. This neighbor is not only charming, it’s quiet and close to everything.

The first cluster on your left is Brookshire, one of the first clusters built in Reston in 1964 and 65. It’s one of Reston’s smallest clusters and has an impressive ratio of green space to homes — 5 acres to 26 homes. Lush green foliage, magnificent old oak trees, interconnecting paths and recreational areas surround the cluster. These two and three bedroom townhomes feature an average of 1,500 square feet of living space.

Then comes Chatham Colony Cluster. This is also a small cluster, with about 45 homes that each has a wooded backyard. These colonial style townhomes have brick exteriors, shuttered windows, and two designated parking spaces. With three bedrooms and full basements, each home offers plenty of space for growing families and empty nesters alike. And like most Reston homes built in the 1970’s, each has beautiful hardwood floors and large windows.

Next on the tour is Wyndmere Cluster, the newest addition to this area. Like all of the townhome clusters off moorings, residents have access to Lake Anne.

Finally, there is Moorings Cluster, built between 1971 and 1972. These spacious three- to five-bedroom townhomes have fantastic views of Lake Anne (70% are direct lakefront properties). Unlike many lakeside townhouse communities, each of the 50 homes in this neighborhood has a garage.

All of these clusters off Moorings Drive have easy access to main roads and public transportation. This is the kind of neighborhood where you can take full advantage of everything Reston has to offer — you can walk to Lake Anne, jog on the nearby Reston Association paths, or be at Reston Town Center in a matter of minutes.

It’s also close to ballparks, pools, tennis courts, the sprinkler park (off North Shore Drive) and more. Many residents have small boats and canoes that they take out on Lake Anne, enjoying a leisurely paddle to the plaza for concerts, festivals and dining. In the summer, residents can walk to the popular Farmer’s Market and Reston Market. Neighborhood residents attend Reston’s Lake Anne Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High School.

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Yes, you can have it all. The privacy of a single-family home; the convenience of a townhome community; and easy access to shopping, schools, and recreation does all exist in one place. And that place is Arbor Glen in North Reston.

The Arbor Glen community of 44 townhomes was built between 1986 and 1988. Privacy was top of mind when Miller & Smith designed these spacious 3 and 4 bedroom homes. The townhouses are arranged in groups of four to six in a “Z” row, which means that each house feels more private—you never look into a neighbor’s house, and the row design minimizes noise from the adjoining homes.

Nestled in a wooded area, the common space is tranquil and beautiful. While the neighborhood may feel secluded, Arbor Glen is less than a five-minute walk to North Point Village Center and Lake Newport pool (Reston’s only Olympic sized pool), and Reston Town Center is less than 2 miles away. While Arbor Glen is right off busy Lake Newport Road, and close to Reston Parkway (only the soccer fields stand between the two), the neighborhood is exceptionally quiet.

Yes, Arbor Glen Cluster in Reston, VA is one of those rare neighborhoods that has it all—lovely architecture, plenty of common space, and privacy. Lot’s of privacy.

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We love our lakes in Reston, and we love the being near all of the amenities Reston has to offer. The Lake Newport area of North Reston delivers both — whether you want a contemporary or Colonial single family home, or a spacious patio home, or even condos.

Whatever style of home you want, your neighborhood focal point is Lake Newport, a 12-acre man-made lake built in 1981. On any beautiful day, you'll find residents canoeing and fishing in the lake, or using the approximately 1-mile walking path that loops the lake and takes you on a tour of the neighborhood.

The Lake Newport neighborhood is fairly large and divided into several smaller sub-neighborhoods. Town and patio homes can be found at Hemingway, while large, luxurious single-family homes are located in the Newport, Greenwich Point, BelCastle, Newport Shores, and Newport Cove neighborhoods. All of the homes were built in the 80s and 90s. Here is a rundown of the sub-neighborhoods:

Lake Newport Road: This neighborhood is located at the eastern end of Lake Newport Road off North Village Road. Many of the 15 lovely custom-built 3- to 5-bedroom single-family homes are direct lakefront.

Newport Shores: Located on Waterfront Road off Center Harbor Drive, this neighborhood has 30 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes, of which 25% are direct lakefront.

Newport: On Regatta Lane off the Baron Cameron end of North Village Road, this neighborhood has 30 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes. About 20% are direct lakefront.

Newport Cove: This lovely neighborhood on Newport Cove Lane off the Baron Cameron end of North Village Road has 8 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom single-family homes, of which 60% are direct lakefront.

Hemmingway: At Hemingway Court off Center Harbor Drive, this neighborhood offers a combination of 25 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes and 50 townhomes. About 15% of the townhomes are direct lakefront.

Greenwich Point: At Greenwich Point Road off Center Harbor Drive, this neighborhood has about 25 lovely multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes, of which 25% are direct lakefront.

Regardless of which sub-neighborhood residents live in, you will find them all enjoying the RA tennis courts and Lake Newport pool (Reston's only Olympic-sized, 50m swimming pool). On gorgeous days, the paths will be filled with people walking over to North Point Village Shopping Center to enjoy a coffee, ice cream, or a great meal or to do their weekly grocery shopping.

Lake Newport is a fantastic area for growing families or those who are ready to downsize—it has something for everyone.

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I’ve lived in Reston for years, and I’m still surprised sometimes when I come across a charming townhome community that is new to me. Pinecrest Cluster is one of those places. It’s a little off the beaten track, which is perfect for anyone who wants to access to the bustle of Reston without being in the middle of it. The best part of this community for young families is how affordable it is—these homes offer so much to young families starting out and some of the lowest prices in Reston.

Located off Glade Drive, near Dogwood in South Reston, Pinecrest Cluster is a diverse community of 220 townhouses. Built in 1973, these wood-sided homes have two or three bedrooms, and most are three-levels. Most of the units have been remodeled, and feature large windows and an open, airy feel. And each unit has access to two assigned parking spaces (which is not always the case with home built in the 1970s).

Great news for young families: the cluster recently installed a new, state-of-the-art tot lot—which is sure to become THE gathering place for families in the nice weather. Dogwood Pool is close by; another great feature for young families. Like most communities in Reston, the common areas are well maintained, and wooded areas make you feel like you live in the forest.

Pinecrest Cluster is just off Reston Parkway, a few short miles for Reston Town Center, Hunters Woods Village Center, and the Dulles Toll Road.

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Developed in 1974 by Jeffery Sneider & Company, the Links Pond Cluster of townhomes in South Reston features 3-level, 4-bedroom brick and siding homes. The 67-home neighborhood borders Reston National Golf Course, and features the pond for which the cluster is named. It’s a common sight in the summer to see people spending lazy days fishing in the pond.

One of the things I most love about this neighborhood is that it feels like a little touch of country in the heart of Reston.

This is a great community for young families. The schools — Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes, and South Lakes High School — are all close. And as the children grow, there is plenty of parking to accommodate your needs as the number of cars you have grows. Each home has one assigned parking space, with plenty of additional parking on South Lakes Drive.

With easy access to the Reston Association paths, it’s easy to get out for a run or walk. Links Pond is close to both South Lakes Village Center and Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center. Residents also have easy access to the Toll Road and the Wiehle metro. As with every cluster that is part of Reston Association, Links Pond residents have access to the RA pools and tennis courts—nearby Glade pool with its waterslide is a favorite for kids!

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Many people don’t realize how close Reston is to the lovely Lake Fairfax Park. In fact, several Reston neighborhoods back up to the park. Bentana Woods is one of them.

The rustic nature around Bentana Woods will make you forget you live in a bustling urban area. Built in1972 by Bennett of Virginia, this community is located in the Tall Oaks section of Reston, Virginia. I recently found the original marketing brochure, which was pretty entertaining. Some of the information is not relevant anymore (I assume most people have replaced the Formica-surfaced cabinet tops by now, and Lake Anne Elementary School has indeed been built). However, some of the selling points are very much still selling points today (I edited some of these, but I really enjoyed the language… you can probably tell which bits are from the original):

Bentana Woods offers something special to the family that seeks the values of home ownership with a maximum of space and good design and a minimum of care and maintenance.

Influenced by California’s early Spanish missions, the design utilizes dark wood trim to give dramatic emphasis to exteriors of brick, stucco, and wood.

Interior living spaces range from 2,120 to 2,515 square feet, for a total of nine floor plans. There are three and four bedroom models are available, with 2.5 to 3.5 baths.

Garages and step down living rooms are features in many models. Fireplaces are also included in many of them.

Kitchens have received special attention in Bentana Woods to give each family added ease and convenience. All kitchens open both to the dining room and family room to facilitate formal and informal entertaining in either.

That bane of townhouses — the dark stairway — doesn’t exist in Bentana Woods. Skylights or large doors and spacious bay windows also brighten dining rooms and family rooms, creating the feeling of breezy openness, and provide dramatic views of the rolling woodland.

All of these features are things my clients want in their homes. Bentana Woods is actually two separate clusters — Bentana Woods Cluster has 48 homes while Bentana Woods West has 108 homes. More than 50% of the neighborhood lands are common areas with open grass, tot lots, and stands of trees — trees that the National Wildlife Federation has certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

In addition, Bentana Woods is about 1 mile from the Reston Metro Station and short drive to Reston Town Center or Lake Anne Plaza. The location is fantastic, which makes the fact that these townhouses are charming and well designed even better.

If you want to be close to the action, but feel like you’re living in a National park, Bentana Woods is the Reston neighborhood for you!

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Many Restonians value living green--they want to minimize their environment impact as much as possible. Heating a home with solar energy is one area where people can make an incredible difference. That's why the 35 patio homes that comprise Solaridge Cluster are so coveted. Every house has a solar attic with large, south-facing windows that collect heat on a winter's day, and a blower and duct system that bring the warmth down to the living levels. These gorgeous homes have more to offer as well.

Solaridge Cluster homes have natural cedar siding, feature open floorplans, and have expansive decks and patios. Of the 35 homes, 29 are two story models and the 6 homes on the east side of the cluster have walk-out basements.

Despite the large windows, these single-family homes are very private. Your neighbors are close (and it is, in fact, a very tight knit neighborhood), but inside your home you feel like you're miles away from everything.

The first house was built in 1983. Since the beginning, one of the things cluster residents most enjoy is the fact that this small neighborhood is one where everyone knows each other. Their springtime community clean-up and an annual block party foster a sense of community, and many residents have found "best friends" just down the street.

Solaridge Cluster is across the street from South Lakes Village Center and close beautiful trails, the Reston Regional Golf Course, the Toll Road, and the Reston Metro stop.